Flour or powder of dried legumes market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the ASEAN market for flour or powder of dried legumes showed considerable volatility. After a decline to 51 620 metric tons in 2019, market volume recovered in 2020 and then surged by over 35% in 2021, reaching 75 183 metric tons. This sharp increase was primarily driven by the rising adoption of plant-based diets across the region, which boosted the use of legume flour as a meat substitute or meal enhancer.

The growth accelerated in 2021 as manufacturers invested in advanced dehydration technologies such as freeze-drying and vacuum drying. These innovations improved nutrient retention and enabled the production of premium powder formats, stimulating both supply and demand. The expansion of food processing industries incorporating these ingredients into snacks, ready meals, and smoothies further supported the market rise.

Following the peak, the market contracted in 2022 and 2023, falling to 53 949 metric tons by the end of 2023. While underlying consumer trends like demand for convenient and nutritious options persisted, the downturn coincided with broader factors such as fluctuations in raw material prices and supply chain adjustments.

Production flour or powder of dried legumes in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of flour or powder of dried legumes, 2017-2020

World map of production of flour or powder of dried legumes, 2017-2020

ASEAN's production of flour or powder from dried legumes rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, output reached 55 856 tonnes, marking an 8.9% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the full 2017-2020 period, production fell by 25.1%, with an average annual decline of 9.2%. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 51 272 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 24.9% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports flour or powder of dried legumes from ASEAN

Exports in kind, t

The market for exports in kind showed significant fluctuations during this period. Volumes peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2019, resulting in a 4.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from ASEAN amounted to 1 532 tonnes, representing a dramatic surge of 280.5% from 2019. The minimum value was 403 tonnes in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 71.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for ASEAN's exports of flour or powder from dried legumes in kind were China (26.4% of exports), Hong Kong (14.9%), and the United States (11.8%). Together, these three markets accounted for 53.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values exhibited considerable volatility over these years. They reached their highest level in 2020 and their lowest in 2019, with a 3.1-fold gap between these extremes. In 2020, export deliveries from ASEAN totaled 4 091 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 209.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 1 322 thousand US dollars in 2019, which also experienced the largest decline of 54.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market base for exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diverse. China (19.4% of exports), the United States (17.0%), and Hong Kong (12.4%) together represented just 48.8% of total flows, while the remaining 51.2% was distributed among numerous other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020

Imports flour or powder of dried legumes to ASEAN

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, ASEAN's imports of flour or powder from dried legumes in kind stood at 1 212 tonnes, showing a notable increase of 61.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 50.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 751 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 32.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—India, China, and Norway—collectively absorbed 54.1% of ASEAN's total imports in kind of flour or powder from dried legumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, ASEAN's imports of flour or powder from dried legumes in value terms totaled 1 601 thousand US dollars, indicating a substantial gain of 46.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 30.7%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 9.3%. The minimum value was 1 092 thousand US dollars in 2019, which also recorded the largest decline of 30.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Analysis of import values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. India (27.7% of imports), Norway (10.8%), and China (8.4%) together accounted for only 46.8% of total flows, with a significant 53.2% share attributed to other trading partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020